Two people jailed for begging in Nuneaton despite measures forbidding them

A man and a woman have been jailed after breaching a court order and community protection notice preventing them from begging in Nuneaton.

Elyse Erskine, 31, of no fixed abode was jailed for ten weeks after admitting failing to comply with a community protection notice prohibiting her from begging in Nuneaton. Officers from Nuneaton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) found evidence she had breached the notice on a number of occasions in May.

She also admitted causing criminal damage to a fire escape outside a fast food restaurant in Queens Road, Nuneaton and failing to answer police bail.

Robert Conway, 26, of no fixed abode was jailed for 14 weeks after admitting breaching a criminal behaviour order prohibiting him from begging in Nuneaton. Officers found evidence he had breached the order on a number of occasions in May.

PC Matthew Cooper from Nuneaton SNT said: “We have worked hard with the local authority to provide Conway and Erskine with support to get them housed and address their drug use. They have refused this support and continue to persistently beg in Nuneaton town centre, and commit crime and cause antisocial behaviour.

“It is hoped that while in prison the pair recognise the professional support available and upon release engage with the various agencies.”

PC Steve Roberts from Nuneaton SNT said: “I know local people are concerned by the persistent nature of their begging and their antisocial behaviour; I hope they are reassured we have taken action to address their concerns and thank them for their support in bringing Conway and Erskine to justice.”

Erskine was also issued with a five year criminal behaviour order prohibiting her from:

• Sitting on the path within the public highway outside any premise in the Borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth.
• Placing any items in front or beside you including but not limited to a plastic cup, hat or newspaper so it appears you are begging.
• Approaching members of public and asking for money.
• Lying down or sleeping in Nuneaton Town Centre as defined by the Ring Road including Newtown Retail Park.

Posted by SJC, Corporate Communication